A Tyneside man is preparing to take on one of this year’s toughest fitness challenges after his dad suffered a heart attack.

Adam Bewick, 26, is taking on the Newcastle Stampede for the British Heart Foundation at Newcastle Racecourse on October 11, a tough 10k mud run that helps raise tens of thousands of pounds for charities.

Adam is also in training for the Great North Run and the Kielder Half Marathon as thanks to those who helped his 60-year-old dad.

He said: “In 2014 my dad Malcolm had an unexpected heart attack; I’m convinced that it is thanks to the research the British Heart Foundation fund, that we have seen such improvements in treatment for heart patients. If it wasn’t for the work undertaken by the organisation, I am not sure my dad would still be with us now.

“I think it’s so important to provide as much support as possible to the charity. My father is now back to full health, which is why last year I undertook my first half marathon to raise as much money as I could for the British Heart Foundation.

“It was amazing how much support I received from my family and friends. This year I have set up a Just Giving page and I am hoping to raise £400 for taking on all three events later this year.”

Newcastle Racecourse and the British Heart Foundation (BHF) are urging adventurers to set themselves a challenge to join the stampede for the 10k adventure run which is back for 2015.

Every year, hundreds of runners spend weeks getting in shape in preparation for the event.

Runners can now choose to take on the course, which includes obstacles such as water wipe out, hay bay hurdle and gladiator gauntlet, on either Saturday, October 10 or Sunday, October 11, or they can push themselves to the limit with the Turbo Stampede. The course is designed by the Outdoor Fitness Company, the North East’s largest boot camp company and the 103 Field Squadron, 21 Engineer Regiment.